Everyone obviously knows you best for being the frontman of Mad Caddies. What's different about your role in Ellwood?
I guess the biggest difference is that in Ellwood I play guitar the whole time and 90% of the tunes I composed myself, where as in the Caddies I only play guitar sometimes and Sascha and I share songwriting duties pretty much 50/50.
What's the story behind the creation of Ellwood?
Ellwood was created when I moved back to my countryside hometown a couple years ago and reconnected with some old friends. There is not much of a social life here apart from winetasting and farming so we got together and started playing just for fun and something to do. After a while we had some songs together and we figured hey, why not record a record and start playing shows and now here we are doing just that.
What would you say are the main differences between Ellwood and Mad Caddies?
Its pretty tough to compare the two as the Caddies have been around for 15 years now and Ellwood is just starting out. The bands are different for sure though as Ellwood does not have brass and is a little more on the mellow side of the fence compared to the Caddies. We do have new songs that are headed in a little more aggressive direction but in no way sound like the Caddies apart from my voice.
And the question that probably keeps coming up.... are Mad Caddies still together?
Yes, we are still together. After 15 years we just needed a little break and some time for all of us to branch out creatively and work on new projects. Sascha has been busy working as a songwriter and producer in L.A., Keith is now playing with Mariachi El Bronx, Eddie is back at art school in Pasadena and the rest of the guys will be touring with Ellwood. We are planning on releasing a new Caddies album next year and begin touring again.
How long did it take to write the debut record - Lost in Transition?
We played and worked on those songs for a few months before we began demoing the stuff in our garage. So, I guess maybe 6 months from start to finish.
What inspired the songs on the record?
Most of the tunes are just a reflection on personal life experiences over the past few years, including love, loss, and starting over.
Which is your favourite Ellwood song to play live?
So far the most fun and the hardest to play has been 'The Deal' The crowd has responded well to that one.
How's the record been received by reviewers and fans so far?
I haven't read a bad review yet. There have been a few mediocre ones but mostly it has been well received by fans and reviewers alike, so we are pretty pleased at the moment.
[check out Push to Fire's review here]
You're going to be playing Germany in September and the UK later this year - any cities in particular on the tour that you're most excited to visit and play?
Well we will be playing some Bavarian shows during Oktoberfest, and I have never been during this time. To say the least we all like drinking beer so we are stoked to take part in a very old tradition. Also, its been quite some time since we have played the UK so I'm happy to get back there and enjoy some bad food but great people! ;)
What bands did you grow up listening to? Which inspired you most?
From a very young age I listened to all my parents records which consisted of all the good Classic rock....Beatles, Stones, Grateful Dead. I got into Nirvana like everyone else in Jr. High, and then found reggae, Ska, and punk in high school. Bands like NoFx and Sublime really changed it all for me, as I could really relate to the music and it was something so new and different.
Can you play any other instruments apart from guitar?
Bass guitar and I like to play drums as well, when the guys will let me.
There's no brass in Ellwood but more piano/organ than on Mad Caddies tracks - what was the reason behind this?
Without the brass it leaves a lot more room and space in the tunes allowing for Dustin our keyboard player to have some more creative license and jam out a little more.
There are some pretty cool promo shots of you (including the one at the top of this interview) - who took them?
Our good friend Paul Wheatley was the man behind the lens.
Would you class Ellwood as a 'third wave' ska band, or do you think we've finally moved into a 'fourth wave' of ska punk now?
I don't really like to label music too often but I don't think we are a third wave ska band by any means.
When you aren't playing in MCs or Ellwood what would you usually be doing? Do you have a 'day job' or is music a full time thing for you?
I have been involved in Organic farming for quite some time now and enjoy it very much. When I'm not touring I can be found on the farm enjoying the simple life as a farmer.
And finally, any plans for records or tours after the Ellwood tour (with either band)?
Yes, Ellwood will be touring the West Coast of the states later this fall and plan to record another record very soon as we have the new material ready to go. The Caddies will be back at it next year with a new record and world tour to follow. Hope to see ya all out there for some good times! Cheers and Thanks!
